Since tooth enamel cannot grow back after it is injured, such as does the skin and other parts of your body, you want to make sure that you protect it from damage. Here are some ideas that can help you keep your tooth enamel healthy for a lifetime:
Be Aware of the Causes of Tooth Enamel Erosion
There are three processes that can cause your tooth enamel to erode. Yes, your parents were right. Extrinsic factors—including eating candy and other acidic foods—can do some real damage to your tooth enamel. Yet there are other causes that you need to be aware of to make sure that your tooth enamel stays healthy to protect your teeth.
Intrinsic factors can also impact the health of your tooth enamel. Acid reflux or other gastrointestinal disorders can change the chemical composition of your mouth to a more acidic one, leading to enamel damage over time. Other medical issues that can change your mouth's chemical composition include eating disorders, stress, and dry mouth. Your genetic makeup, too, can have an effect on the acidity of your mouth.
Physical processes, too, such as tooth grinding, as well as under- or overbite, can cause your tooth enamel to wear down prematurely. Take the following steps to protect your tooth enamel from damage from all of these causes.
Be Aware of the Symptoms of Enamel Erosion
When you are aware of the signs that indicate that your tooth enamel may be in trouble, you can take action to prevent any further damage. Here are some symptoms that may indicate you're your tooth enamel may be damaged from erosion:
- Discolored or Stained Teeth: Discoloration means that the protective enamel that keeps your teeth milky-white has broken down enough to allow substances to stain your teeth.
- Sensitive Teeth: Healthy tooth enamel insulates your teeth from extremes of hot or cold. If your teeth are overly sensitive to hot or cold, some of your tooth enamel may have eroded.
- Cupped Teeth: If you see tiny indentations in the surface of your teeth, this is called "cupping." These indentations are areas in which your tooth enamel has worn or has been chipped away.
Protect Your Enamel
Let's first look at the extrinsic factors that can erode your teeth. When you ingest the following substances, your tooth enamel may suffer:
- Soda and other soft drinks
- Fruit drinks and fruit juices
- Carbohydrate-rich foods
- Candy and other desserts
- Tobacco products
- Alcoholic drinks
Avoid these foods as much as possible. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss at least once daily, and have your dentist check and clean your teeth every six months. When you cannot avoid consuming acidic food and beverages, use these tips to reduce tooth enamel damage:
- Use a straw when you drink fruity, sweet, or alcoholic beverages.
- Increase the saliva in your mouth by chewing sugar free gum.
- Drink at least eight glasses of water every day.
- Use mouthwash containing fluoride.
To address intrinsic causes of enamel loss, make an appointment with a medical professional to find ways to deal with chronic medical conditions that cause your tooth enamel to erode. Medications and other interventions, combined with a healthy lifestyle, can often keep these conditions in check.
As for physical causes of damage to your tooth enamel, your dentist can help. Overbite and underbite, as well as tooth grinding, can often be corrected with simple devices or other techniques. If the damage to your teeth is severe, discuss the possibility of tooth restoration to return your teeth to their formerly pristine condition.
To discover more about tooth enamel and how to care for it, make an appointment with your dentist to discuss ways to maintain your teeth in good health for a lifetime of use.
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